Catalina Island at Catalina Island Golf Club

Catalina Island Golf Club, perched above Avalon, offers a golfing experience as steeped in history as the island itself. Built in 1892, it is one of the oldest courses west of the Mississippi and the only course on Catalina Island. Originally a three-hole layout, its legacy began with the vision of the Banning Brothers and a young man named Hancock Banning Jr., who decided that they should create a course on the island to attract vacationers to visit.

The current nine-hole course features tight fairways traversing rolling, rugged terrain. The small, undulating greens, some with ocean views, demand a delicate touch. While not demanding in length, the course, designed by William Wrigley Jr. in 1929, favors accuracy and strategic shot placement, given that the elevation changes drastically. One hole requires players to hit over a canyon onto a raised green that rewards the brave.

Catalina Island Golf Club's charm lies not in its championship pedigree, but in its quirky character and unparalleled views. Often overlooked for its shorter length, the course remains a beloved escape for island residents and visitors seeking a unique and unpretentious golfing experience.